Lufthansa to test new additive to prevent water accumulation in fuel tanks

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Frankfurt - The aviation industry is looking for solutions to reduce the costs of maintenance and gain better environmental compliance. Every year, airline operators spend millions of dollars due to the frequent maintenance required to drain the contaminated water/fuel mix and disposing of it safely.

To minimize the adverse effects of the problem such as costly biocide treatments, the potential risks of corrosion and ice generation in the fuel tanks, German flag carrier Lufthansa to test the new fuel additive Kerojet Aquarius developed by German chemicals specialist BASF.

The additive is intended to increase flight safety and reduce maintenance costs. The in-service evaluation (ISE) of the product began on July 24 with the flight of an Airbus A340-600 from Munich to San Francisco.

The additive is designed to bind tiny amounts of water and distribute them evenly throughout kerosene.

Aircraft tanks absorb water from the ambient air as a result of condensation. The amount depends on the region and the climatic conditions. This water does not mix with the kerosene but settles on the tank.

The results of the testing in flight operations are expected in late 2018, then Kerojet Aquarius will be introduced commercially.